Martin resident arrested in connection with multi-county theft

PAINTSVILLE — Items reported stolen from at least three different counties were recovered last week, after an extensive investigation by Johnson County Sheriff’s Office.

According to officials with the sheriff’s office, Thurman Caudill, 35, of Martin, was arrested following an investigation into the disappearance of several utility trailers.

Johnson County deputies received a call of a stolen wallet in the West Van Lear area April 26. During the investigation into that theft, Deputy Tim Clark was also able to recover several other items which had been reported stolen from Johnson, Magoffin, Martin and Floyd counties.

Deputy Clark coordinated efforts with fellow Johnson County deputies Terry Tussey and Rodney Minix, the Martin City Police Department in Floyd County, and authorities in Magoffin County. Several leads in each jurisdiction pointed officers to items that had been stolen as far back as early April, primarily utility trailers.

Further investigation uncovered evidence that led deputies to a residence on Caudill Fork, at Oil Springs, where they found Caudill. Evidence discovered at the scene prompted deputies to arrest and charge Caudill with receiving stolen property under $10,000, a felony in Kentucky.

The investigation is ongoing by Deputy Tim Clark and the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office. The Johnson County Sheriff’s Office is asking anyone with information about this case to contact them at (606) 789-3411.